Dolphins have names, and use them (video)

We’ve been on a roll recently with dolphins, and this latest story is just as interesting.

Much like humans, dolphins have names for each other. They call out each other by specific “whistle” signatures, including using unique tones of voice when calling each other.

Discovery reports that bottlenose dolphins actually call out the names of their loved ones when separated from them. They’re the only other animals, besides humans, that have been found to do this. They also can call out their own name to introduce themselves.

Amazing.

“A dolphin emits its signature whistle to broadcast its identity and announce its presence, allowing animals to identify one another over large distances and for animals to recognize one another and to join up with each other,” King explained. “Dolphin whistles can be detected up to 20 km away (12.4 miles) depending on water depth and whistle frequency.”

Chris in Paris
An American in Paris, France. BA in History & Political Science from Ohio State. Provided consulting services to US software startups, launching new business overseas that have both IPO’d and sold to well-known global software companies. Currently launching a new cloud-based startup. Full bio here.